He squeaked out a win over Democrat Alex Sink in 2010. In that race, he spent $70 million of his own money – obviously, he wants to hold public office – and campaigned on an undiluted hard-right platform. And in his first legislature session, he stuck to that image.

But lately Gov. Scott has tacked toward the center, at least a little. He embarked on a widely publicized “listening tour” on education issues. And he has said he wants to work out a compromise with the Obama administration to implement the Affordable Care Act in Florida.

So far, there’s little indication this is a change of substance rather than political posturing. But the attempt to revise his image is a sure indication – along with all the money he’s raising – that Gov. Scott already is running hard to be re-elected.

The paucity of credible Democratic opponents works to his advantage. Right now, most speculation centers on Charlie Crist, who until quite recently was a Republican.

A challenge from another Republican can’t be ruled out. But most of the likely candidates, like Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, can seek re-election to their own current offices in 2014 and seem just as likely to wait for 2018 to ask the voters for a promotion.

Opinion polls show that Rick Scott still has a relatively poor public image. But he was considered a longshot in 2010 as well.

What do you think? Will Rick Scott be re-elected in 2014? Take our poll and/or leave a comment.